DESPITE a disappointing start to the World Cup, Japan can still make the World Cup final 16 if they can beat Group C leaders Colombia and other results go their way.
Colombia has already book their place in the final 16 but would like to take momentum into the next phase of the competition.
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CHECK out our live coverage of the round 16 team announcements, including live NRL SuperCoach blog from 3.30pm.
Friday, Jun 27, Sea Eagles v Roosters, Brookvale Oval, NINE, 7:40pm
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Peta Hiku, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Starling, Matt Ballin, Brenton Lawrence, Jamie Buhrer, Justin Horo, Dunamis Lui. Interchange: Jesse Sene-Lefao, James Hasson, Tom Symonds, Jason King
No changes, with Anthony Watmough (suspension, round 19) and Glenn Stewart (ankle, indefinite) still sidelined.
Roosters: TBA
Friday, Jun 27, Broncos v Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm
Broncos: Ben Barba, Daniel Vidot, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges (c), Dale Copley, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Jake Granville, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Corey Oates, Sam Thaiday. Interchange: Todd Lowrie, David Stagg, Dave Hala, Jarrod Wallace
Justin Hodges (rested) returns after failing to back up from Origin, with Lachlan Maranta dropping out. Corey Oates replaces Matt Gillett (shoulder, Origin III) in the starting side, with Jarrod Wallace added to the bench.
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Gagan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Sam Tagataese, Michael Lichaa, Bryce Gibbs, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Fa'amanu Brown, Tinirau Arona, Anthony Tupou, Siosaia Vave, Chris Heighington
Saturday, Jun 28, Tigers v Raiders, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm
Tigers: TBA
Raiders: Anthony Milford, Matt Allwood, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Brenko Lee, Terry Campese (C), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Joel Edwards, Jarrad Kennedy, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Kyle O'Donnell, Paul Vaughan, Dane Tilse, Shannon Boyd
Anthony Milford returns to the starting side. Paul Vaughan (suspension) returns on the bench, while Reece Robinson drops out of the 17.
Saturday, Jun 28, Cowboys v Rabbitohs, Townsville Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm
Cowboys: TBA
Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Kyle Turner, Kirisome Auva'a, Alex Johnston, John Sutton (c), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, Dave Tyrrell, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Apisai Koroisau, Jason Clark, Ben Lowe, Thomas Burgess
Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben Te'o return from Origin duty, with Lote Tuqiri, Joe Picker and Luke Burgess dropping out. George Burgess (ankle) has been named despite picking up an injury last match.
Sunday, Jun 29, Warriors v Panthers, Mt Smart Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm (AEST), 4:00pm (local)
Warriors: Sam Tomkins, David Fusitua, Konrad Hurrell, Dane Nielsen, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Sam Rapira, Jayson Bukuya, Simon Mannering, Sebastine Ikahihifo. Interchange: Feleti Mateo, Suaia Matagi, Ben Henry, Charlie Gubb
Dane Nielsen returns to the top grade, replacing Ngani Laumape (likely suspension) at centre in the only change.
Panthers: Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Isaah Yeo, Kevin Naiqama, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Sam McKendry, James Segeyaro, Brent Kite, Sika Manu, Elijah Taylor, Adam Docker. Interchange: Tyrone Peachey, Jeremy Latimore, Nigel Plum, Lewis Brown, Bryce Cartwright
Adam Docker (concussion) returns at lock in the only change, pushing Tyrone Peachey to the bench and Bryce Cartwright to 18th man. Jamal Idris (personal leave) has not been named, despite having a run in NSW Cup on the weekend.
Sunday, Jun 29, Eels v Knights, Pirtek Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm
Eels: Jarryd Hayne (c), Semi Radradra, Ryan Morgan, Willie Tonga, Vai Toutai, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah (c), Isaac De Gois, Junior Paulo, Kenny Edwards, Pauli Pauli, Joseph Paulo, Interchange: David Gower, Mitch Allgood, Peni Terepo, Darcy Lussick, Kelepi Tanginoa
Mitch Allgood (suspension) and Darcy Lussick (knee) return, although Lee Mossop (shoulder) drops out. Will Hopoate (shoulder) remains sidelined.
Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley, David Fa'alogo, Adam Clydsdale, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Korbin Sims, Kade Snowden, Chris Houston, Joseph Tapine
Monday, Jun 30, Dragons v Storm, WIN Stadium, FOX, 7:00pm
Dragons: Adam Quinlan, Charly Runciman, Josh Dugan, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh, Mitch Rein, Michael Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Dan Hunt, Shane Pumipi, Will Matthews, Bronson Harrison, Jack Stockwell
Trent Merrin (ankle, Origin III) has not been named, with Dan Hunt (groin) and Jack Stockwell (foot) returning.
Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Kurt Mann, Mahe Fonua, Young Tonumaipea, Ben Hampton, Ben Roberts, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Kenny Bromwich, Tohu Harris, Junior Moors, Jordan McLean, Tim Glasby, Joel Romelo
Tim Glasby and Joel Romelo have been added to an extended bench in the only changes.
BYES: Bulldogs, Titans
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Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is adamant he won't take any risks with Wallabies star Matt Toomua in Saturday's crucial Super Rugby clash against the NSW Waratahs.
Toomua was undergoing scans on Monday for a groin niggle suffered in the third Test against France on Saturday.
The Brumbies need to beat the Waratahs in Sydney to have any chance of topping the Australian conference, however they could otherwise still sneak into the top six with a final round win against Western Force.
While Larkham is determined to finish the regular season with two straight wins, he'll take a cautious approach when it comes to Toomua - especially considering the Brumbies have a bye next week. "If there's any chance of making the injury worse we will not be playing him," Larkham said.
"You wouldn't run that risk."
While Toomua's would be a big loss, the Brumbies have a readymade playmaker replacement in fellow Wallaby Christian Lealiifano.
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Following a season-ending injury to Toomua in 2012, Lealiifano excelled at fly-half and was named man-of-the-match in eight of the 10 games he played.
"He'll do a good job, if that's the case," Larkham said.
However Toomua's niggle is just one problem in a growing list for the Brumbies.
Joe Tomane is still in doubt with a cheekbone injury, while Wallabies utility Pat McCabe is unlikely to return from a shoulder injury.
It's expected Andrew Smith will be called into the centres alongside Tevita Kuridrani, with Jesse Mogg promoted from the bench to fullback.
Mogg returned to Canberra from Singapore on Monday as part of the Brumbies squad that came runners-up to the Blues at the inaugural World Club 10s.
The tournament's leading tryscorer with five tries from six games, Mogg said the extra space had helped with his running game.
"It was good fun. I only kicked twice in the whole comp, so I definitely came out with more confidence," he said.
In the forwards, Wallabies debutant lock Sam Carter (ankle) is still out, while injuries to Stephen Moore and Josh Mann-Rea may force the club to look to their fourth and fifth string hookers.
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IT'S meant as the ultimate insult. 'Have we become Australia'?
That's former England player Jamie Redknapp speaking — son of QPR coach Harry and a man who played 15 times for his country in the mid to late 1990s.
Redknapp is a TV and newspaper pundit and in his latest column he launched that double edged attack on England and the Socceroos.
"There is too much acceptance, too much tolerance, there are too many people shrugging their shoulders. They seem to be saying: England are out, but we didn't expect much from them anyway.
"Why not? Are we all happy to write off England, out after eight days, and go on holiday thinking, 'There's only two months to the start of the Premier League?' Has the national team fallen so far in our hopes and expectations? That's embarrassing.
"Have England become the equivalent of Australia or South Korea — a country just happy to be here? Home before the bit with the penalty shootouts.
Would you rather be an England fan?
EVERY TEAM'S LAST GAME SCENARIO: WHO WILL SURVIVE?
WORLD CUP MEGA STAR REPORT CARD: A, B OR D?
WHO WIN WIN THE TOURNAMENT? YOU DECIDE
EVERY DAY, EVERY GAME, EVERY RESULT, EVERY THING YOU NEED!
DIEGO MAGIC
He was banned from Argentina's first game (allegedly) and then left game two before Lionel Messi screamed in a winner. But Diego Maradona can't stay out of the headlines.
Maradona has responded angrily to claims by the head of the Argentine Football Association that the former star is a "jinx" on the national team.
Maradona called Julio Grondona a "poor fool" during an appearance on Venezuelan broadcaster Telesur after the match and then made his point very clear!
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SIX FINGERED FAMILY CHEER FOR BRAZIL
A Brazilian family is counting on the fingers of a single hand its hopes for Brazil to win a sixth World Cup championship, reports The Associated Press
All the members of the Silva family living in Aguas Claras, a town on the outskirts of the capital of Brasilia, were born with an extra digit on each hand as a result of a genetic condition known as polydactyly.
Six appeal! Members of the Silva family. The family was born with an extra digit on each hand as a result of a genetic condition known as polydactyly. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Source: AP
Rather than recoil in the face of stares by curious onlookers, the 14 members of the family spanning four generations seem to embrace their physical difference with pride.
And that pride never shines more brightly than during the World Cup as they relish the attention of Brazilian media, which have trained cameras on the family as much of the South America nation crosses its fingers hoping the national team will add to its record five World Cup titles.
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"Since the last World Cup we wanted Brazil to become hexacampeao," said Ana Carolina Santos da Silva, using the Portuguese term for "six-time champion" that would be the envy of the football world. "But it didn't happen, so this year we really want Brazil to achieve the sixth."
Far from a hindrance, having an extra finger seems to help the Silva family perform domestic chores and pursue musical talents.
EXOTIC LOCALES
Where are you watching the Cup? Stuck on the sofa in ugg boots and a doonah in the wee hours?
Check out the set up of these guys - if you have a more exotic viewing area, shoot us an image to @FoxFootball.
DRESSING UP FOR THE CUP
World Cup fans are expressing their love of the game in wild ways, wearing patriotic nail polish, dressing up dogs with jerseys and showing their passion under the sheets with Brazil-inspired condoms.
The usual football frenzy fashion is on full display in the South American host country's streets and stadiums, from the inevitable replica team jerseys to colourful wigs and flag-themed face paint.
But pet owners, fashionistas and love-struck fans have found their own ways to wear their team colours, with Brazil football kits for dogs, designer clothes for women and caipirinha-flavoured condoms for couples.
In the sprawling business hub of Sao Paulo, World Cup souvenirs — from the kitschiest to the trendiest — can be found anywhere, from upper-class neighbourhoods to bustling street markets.
In one well-to-do district, the MVet pet store sells a yellow, round doggie poop bag dispenser with a football printed in the middle.
A rather embarrassed looking dog wearing a Brazilian jersey. Source: AFP
Since February, DKT International, a US-based nonprofit that promotes family planning and HIV prevention, has sold 2.1 million condoms flavoured like caipirinha, Brazil's famous cocktail.
Sold under the Prudence brand, the condom is yellow with a green tip. The first 850,000 were supposed to last three months but sold out in 15 days. A pack of three sells for $1.40.
"I think there must be foreigners who will take it home as an inexpensive souvenir," said Daniel Marun, DKT's Brazil director.
"What's important for us is to pass on a message of safe sex, but also fun and pleasurable sex."
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MARTINEZ BANNED
THERE is major embarrassment for Everton manager Roberto Martinez who has been kicked out of the Cup.
FIFA took action against Martinez, who is working ESPN, after he allowed his accreditation to be used by someone else who wanted to watch the Netherlands train.
The FIFA pass is strictly non-transferable and it's understood the impostor was spotted by security at Holland's Rio practice facility.
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ARE YOU FOR WHEEL?
A PICTURE of a Brazilian fan standing in front of her wheelchair and clapping at a World Cup stadium has sparked controversy over the alleged "miracle." FIFA has not confirmed the authenticity of the picture and similar ones of other fans circulating on social media, but the football governing body condemned any bid to fraudulently acquire seats for the handicapped.
"We strongly condemn any attempt to wrongly use tickets reserved for disabled members of the general public," a FIFA spokesman.
"FIFA asks fans to be respectful and only request these seats if they qualify for them."
The most controversial picture shows the back of a fan wearing Brazil's yellow team jersey at the Castelao Stadium in the north-eastern city of Fortaleza, standing and applauding in front of the wheelchair.
The photo was apparently taken during Brazil's 0-0 draw with Mexico on June 17, but te authenticity is not confirmed.
More images circulated on Tuesday of other fans, including this one at the Argentina game. But as many pointed out there are people who need wheelchairs but are still able to stand.
HAIR WE GO
France and Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud pulled off a stunning bicycle kick during French training on Monday, only to cop some hair jibes by the Daily Mirror.
Stop the presses — Olivier Giroud's hair may have fallen out of place," the paper wrote
The Arsenal forward may have the most painstakingly-preened barnet (hair do) in world football, but he has risked it all while on World Cup duty.
"While training with Les Blues the 27-year-oldlaunched himself into the air for an acrobatic overhead kick.
All did not go to plan though as he crashed to the floor in a heap, an albeit very stylish heap.
But never fear, he got back up and his do can and will be rebuilt — nothing some Brylcreem can't fix."
Still it made for some great images.
France's forward Olivier Giroud (R) jumps to kick the ball. Source: AFP
Contact. Giroud's spectacular overhead kick. Source: AFP
Chris Sandow is sent to the sin bin in Parramatta's loss to the Storm. Source: FoxSports
CONTROVERSY overshadowed Parramatta's heavy loss to the Storm, with Chris Sandow sent to the sin-bin midway through the second half after allegedly asking referee Ben Cummins how much he was getting paid.
The cheeky quip was not caught by the audio during Fox Sports' coverage of the game, but Cummins repeated the line after signalling for Sandow to leave the field.
BILLY EQUALS ET IN STORM ROUT
"Go for 10, you know what you said," Cummins told Sandow before Eels skipper Jarryd Hayne asked for an explanation.
"He's told me how much are they paying me, he can go and sit down."
The sin-binning was a huge turning point in the game, with the Storm blowing out their 24-16 lead with three tries while Sandow was off the field.
Cummins has been on the end of some heavy criticism over the past few weeks, particularly for the job he and Shayne Hayne did in State of Origin I.
Cummins was retained for Origin II but it hasn't taken long for the spotlight to return after Parramatta's frustration about a number of 50-50 calls going against them reached boiling point.
Throughout the course of the Storm-Eels clash, the referees were the main discussion point on Twitter, with Eels fans clearly feeling aggrieved by the way the game was being officiated.
Should Chris Sandow have been sin-binned?
And Twitter really blew up after the sin-binning with some criticising Cummins for overreacting while others questioned the discipline of Sandow.
Meanwhile, Nate Myles was also sin binned for backchat in the Titans' tight loss to the Dragons, raising the possibility a directive had been given by referees boss Tony Archer to crack down on dissent.
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WHO starred and stunk in Nissan SuperCoach this weekend? The names to remember — and forget — when it comes to trade time.
SYDNEY 62 def RICHMOND 51
Swans studs: All aboard the Buddy bandwagon, with Lance Franklin (121) continuing his outstanding recent form, booting four goals from 17 touches and seven tackles. Dual-position player Luke Parker (121) made all of his owners crack a smile, collecting 21 touches and laying 11 tackles. Josh Kennedy (118) and Nick Malceski (102) also reached three figures.
Swans duds: As expected, Tom Derickx (36) did not have the same scoring output with Mike Pyke back in the side. Mind you, Pyke (41) had just as less impact. Rhyce Shaw (17) was subbed out just before halftime, while Jake Lloyd (37) only collected 11 touches.
Tigers studs: How good was Dustin Martin (148)? He was close to best on ground, finishing with a career-high 36 disposals. If you had bubble boy Anthony Miles (126) on the field, you're a genius. He finished with 28 disposals and eight tackles.
Tigers duds: Not a great night for Aaron Edwards (32), booting one goal from only six disposals. With 19 possessions to his name, you would've thought Reece Conca (46) would've produced a big score. But it wasn't the case, thanks to a disposal efficiency of only 58 per cent.
Justin Westhoff brings down Jordan Roughead. Source: Getty Images
PORT ADELAIDE 123 d WESTERN BULLDOGS 56
Power studs: Jay Schulz kicked eight goals, took 14 marks and had 22 disposals to notch 149 but amazingly he wasn't the top-scorer on the ground. That honour goes to Justin Westhoff who had 25 disposals — at 96 per cent efficiency — and three goals. Ollie Wines (130) and Travis Boak (123) also went big.
Power duds: Jared Polec got going late to boost his score to 63. Sub Aaron Young (8) and Angus Monfries (45) were the only Port players to score under 50.
Dogs studs: Nathan Hrovat flew the flag with an even 100 and Tom Liberatore was second-best with 93 — although that looked like it would be a lot higher after a hot start before he was shut down by Kane Cornes. Marcus Bontompelli (91) will be a player.
Dogs duds: Stewart Crameri and Jarrad Grant could only manage 31 each and Ryan Griffen's day ended in the second quarter with 47 to his name. Luke Dahlhaus started like a house on fire but finished with 63.
Brad Sewell celebrates a goal much to the disappointment of Jesse White. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia
HAWTHORN 115 d COLLINGWOOD 86
Hawk studs: The Hawks spread the load with Brad Sewell top-scoring on 116, just ahead of Jordan Lewis (114) and Luke Breust (110). Unlikely heroes Matt Spangher and Ryan Shoenmakers also made three figures.
Hawk duds: Brad Hill got a taste of the Brent Macaffer tag and battled to 56 while Ben Ross had a break-even score of five and just made it after starting as the sub.
Magpie studs: Mr Reliable Scott Pendlebury was again the Pies' best, racking up 121 while Travis Cloke's five goals helped him to 103.
Magpie duds: A painful afternoon for Tom Langdon's 124,000 owners — he was out of the game early with concussion and scored just 12. Just 49 for Heritier Lumumba, and a 45 for Jesse White makes it five scores of 50 or fewer in his past six games.
Lance Franklin starred with four goals for the Swans. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia
GOLD COAST SUNS 118 d GEELONG 78
Suns studs: He's arrived, folks. Harley Bennell (167) was enormous, booting 6.3 from 27 touches and 11 marks. But everyone's favourite SuperCoach man Gary Ablett (160) wasn't to be outdone, finishing with 33 touches, eight tackles, nine clearances and a goal. Dion Prestia (137) had another great game, while Jarrod Harbrow (119), Greg Broughton (113) and Trent McKenzie (101) all reached the ton.
Suns duds: Brandon Matera (17) was subbed out with a groin injury at half-time. Sam Day (45) would've made a few owners disappointed.
Cats studs: Steven Motlop (105) continues to improve, booting a miraculous goal in the second term. Joel Selwood (103) tried hard all night, while Mitch Duncan (100) collected a team-high 29 touches.
Cats duds: Mathew Stokes (five) was subbed out with an ankle injury. His replacement, Josh Caddy (33), didn't have much impact. Jordan Murdoch (33) failed to fire, while Tom Hawkins (52) didn't score highly despite booting 3.2.
Had Gaz as captain? The little man undoubtedly rewarded you. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: News Corp Australia
FREMANTLE 105 d BRISBANE LIONS 22
Dockers studs: Take your pick! Nat Fyfe (141) was the stand-out with 29 touches and 10 clearances, while David Mundy (129) and Lachie Neale (129) gathered 59 possessions between them. Others to crack the ton were Chris Mayne (122), Paul Duffield (113), Michael Barlow (112), Aaron Sandilands (110) and Danyle Pearce (109).
Dockers duds: Our favourite dud, Zac Dawson (32), was at his see-ball-only-spoil-ball best. Clancee Pearce (24) only had just over one quarter to have an impact.
Lions studs: Only one man deserves a mention here: Tom Rockliff (148). As his side withered under the Docker defence, Rockliff kept on fighting, finishing with 44 disposals (20 contested), 10 tackles, 12 clearances and six rebound 50s.
Lions duds: Sub Tom Cutler (nine) had a stinker, but he had ample mates — mainly youngsters. Marco Paparone (26) was quiet, while Michael Close (36) only had three possessions. Josh Green (39) was one of only three Brisbane goalkickers.
Fremantle's Nat Fyfe was the stand-out in a dominant performance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia
ESSENDON 101 def ADELAIDE 92
Bombers studs: Brendon Goddard (120) was the standout for the Bombers with 32 disposals and one goal. Michael Hibberd (105) collected 30 disposals across half back.
Bombers duds: Tom Bellchambers (28) was subbed with just six disposals while Courtenay Dempsey could only muster 67 points. David Zaharakis (72) played a bit-part role in the win.
Crows studs: Sam Jacobs (147) starred in the ruck with 35 hitouts to go with 20 disposals and nine marks. Scott Thompson (120) racked up 41 disposals in a brilliant midfield display.
Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield (71) had little impact on the contest battling what appeared to be a thigh problem. Rory Sloane (84) started slowly but worked his way into the match.
Jon Patton celebrates kicking one of his two goals. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia
GWS 100 def CARLTON 92
Giants studs: Shane Mumford (152) is the Giants' barometer and it's no surprise he had a day in the club's fourth win for the season. He was ably supported by skipper Callan Ward (152), recruit Heath Shaw (116), Dylan Shiel (115), Stephen Coniglio (108 and forward Rhys Palmer (104).
Giants duds: Tomas Bugg (27) was oustanding on Kade Simpson, but didn't go near the ball either, while Adam Kennedy (54) and Devon Smith (79) were donw on their usual output.
Blues studs: Mitch Robinson had one of his best games for the season, Bryce Gibbs (108) played another good game and Ed Curnow (93) was solid in his return match.
Blues duds: Kade Simpson (32) struggled with the Bugg tag, Lachie Henderson (38) couldn't impact the game and Chris Yarran (66) had some moments, but not enough of good ones.
